Water
Water, a vital compound of hydrogen and oxygen, has unique properties like high specific heat capacity and universal solvent ability, essent
Core concept
Water's chemical formula is H₂O, meaning it consists of two hydrogen atoms bonded to one oxygen atom.
How it works
Water has a high specific heat capacity, meaning it takes a lot of energy to change its temperature, helping regulate Earth's climate.
Why it matters
Water is often called the 'universal solvent' because it can dissolve many different substances, essential for biological and chemical processes.
Key detail
Water exists in three states on Earth (solid, liquid, gas) and cycles continuously through the water cycle, essential for all life.
Exam highlight
Key diagram

Keywords worth remembering
Trending
Most searched
Quick revision
Study resources
Notes & downloads
Quick notes
• Water's formula is H2O.
• It has two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom.
• Water has high specific heat capacity.
• This helps regulate Earth's climate.
• Water is called the 'universal solvent'.
• It dissolves many substances.
• This is essential for biological processes.
• Water cycles through solid, liquid, gas states.